My late father-in-law played for him at Carroll College MT right after the Navy 1949-1952. When he first saw John he asked him if there were any towels. He thought he was the trainer/helper. He was shocked when he told him he is the head coach. He looked so young, two years younger than my father-in-law.
His philosophy even then was why kill yourself in practice. Save it for the game. The team had a lot of respect for him, and loved playing for him. He was a great coach, but he was an even greater man.